Felicity Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Matthiola

Species

incana

Description

A biennial or perennial ornamental herb native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, with a compact growth habit and an upright habit. Its abundant and showy flowering consists of flowers arranged in spikes, displaying a wide range of colours and a sweet fragrance, which is also attractive to beneficial insects such as butterflies. Easy to grow, it is popular for decorating flowerbeds and borders, as well as terraces, balconies and windowsills in pots and planters, including in mixed plantings with other ornamental plants. The flower stems of some varieties can be cut and used to create fresh floral arrangements.

Varietal description

Perennial plant ideal for use in flowerbeds or tubs or as a border. A plant with a long flowering period and an excellent assortment of colours in the series. Very interesting scent that can be smelt even in the distance.

curiosity and special features

The genus name Matthiola was given in honour of the Italian physician and botanist P. A. Mattioli, whilst the specific epithet derives from the Latin *canus*, meaning ‘white’, in reference to the dense whitish hairiness that characterises the wild species.

Some varieties of stock are used to produce extracts with medicinal properties and homeopathic remedies.

Origin and Diffusion

The wild Species, native to southern Europe and some regions of central Asia and South Africa, is now naturalised in the western part of the Mediterranean where it grows spontaneously on mainly calcareous Soil/medium soils, at coastlines and sea cliffs or on old stone walls; from it derive the modern hybrids that have spread since the early 18th century and are characterised by fragrant Inflorescences with variable, bright colours.

Flower size

The flower is singularly small, clustered in a dense terminal spike of high decorative value.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from early spring to late summer and lasts between 90 and 120 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf color

Plain colours.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.25 m, making it ideal as a first- or second-tier plant in a composition with other species of varying growth habits, in order to create harmonious, flowing views.

Lifespan

Biennial plant.

Suggested planting locations

Its long-lasting and continuous flowering make it ideal – even when combined with other ornamental plants – for adding colour to outdoor spaces and settings such asflowerbeds, balconies, borders and planters

Stem/stem

The stem isherbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is semi-double, small in size, with a bell-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is sweet-scented, with an intense aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

It shows a compact Growth ideal for creating visually formal and balanced overall effects.

Plant habit

Characteristic plant habit visually reinforced by the spike-like Inflorescence.

branching

Medium branching gives it a pleasant decorative appearance.

pH

It prefers a Soil/medium pH ranging from sub-acidic to neutral, between 5.8 and 7.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the garden in early spring, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones. Add a layer of professional-grade compost to the surface, approximately 5–10 cm thick, and level it carefully, having first marked out the planting rows at a suitable density.

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sun exposure

We recommend placing it infull sun to ensure the best growth and flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 5 to 30 °C. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C; it is therefore suitable for temperate climates.

Use

Thanks to its elegant, sweetly scented flowers, it is prized as a plant for
outdoor ornamental use

Hardiness

Characterised by moderate hardiness, it is very versatile both in flowerbeds and in planters.

Soil/medium

Medium-textured, well-draining soil is preferred; for use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended.

Maintenance

It is easy to look after, and requireslittle maintenance, which adds value to the plant.

cultivation tips

For optimal growth and abundant flowering, we recommend:

Place the plant in the brightest possible spot

Composition

To create well-proportioned arrangements with balanced colour tones, it can be used in combination with other ornamental species such as Antirrhinum majus andStipa.

planting

For planting in flowerbeds, an average density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure that each plant develops properly and the final arrangement is well-proportioned.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction/Propagation is by sowing.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or mains water as an alternative, either manually or via an irrigation system, taking care to ensure that, even during the transplanting phase, the soil or growing medium remains moist, whilst avoiding waterlogging, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases, resulting in root rot and the plant’s decline; at the same time, prevent water stress and periods of drought to avoid the foliage turning yellow.

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Fertilization

Once the plant has settled properly in its new location, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil or growing medium on a regular basis, distributing it in liquid form – that is, diluted in the watering water – without exceeding the recommended frequency or dosage.

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Pet friendly

No toxicity following ingestion has been reported; avoid administration.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

It may cause contact irritation in some people; do not swallow.

advise 1

Never run out of water and, above all, always keep the plants heavily fertilised.